Tips to Lessen Morning Sickness

Content

Sleep

Before you go to bed:

Be sure to have plenty of fresh air in the room where you sleep. The odor of soiled clothes and other household odors in the room where you sleep may upset your stomach.

Before you get up in the morning:

Eat some dry bread or cereal. A little jelly on the bread may make it taste better, but do not use butter or margarine.

When you get up:

Get up very slowly, take several minutes. Avoid sudden movements when getting out of bed.

Meals

Before you cook breakfast:

Eat some more dry bread or cereal a little while after you get up and before you cook breakfast.

When you cook breakfast:

Have a window open while you cook breakfast to get rid of the odor of cooking foods.

Eat several small meals a day instead of three large ones, because you are more likely to feel nauseated when your stomach is empty. Do not drink fluids or eat soups at mealtimes. If you are thirsty, try eating chips of ice. Sometime during the day you will find you can eat a regular meal – be sure not to overeat at this time.

Highly seasoned foods such as those cooked with garlic, onion, pepper, chili and other spices may upset your stomach. Eat lightly, seasoned foods.

Do not eat foods that give you gas while you’re pregnant.

Between meals:

Drink small sips of liquids frequently between meals. Take milk, water, fruit juices, coffee, tea and soups only between meals. If you are feeling nauseated, drink a small amount of the following: carbonated beverages, grapefruit juice, orange juice, or grape juice.

If you continue to vomit:

Be sure to tell the doctor, he may have other suggestions to help you.

Eating To Control Nausea

Before getting up:

Crackers, dry bread, toast, or dry cereal – jelly or jam if you wish.

Breakfast:

Cereal and ¼ cup of milk or less

Toast – no margarine or butter

Eggs – boiled or poached; not fried

Mid-morning Snack:

Citrus fruit, juice or milk – approx. 2 sips at a time

Lunch:

Cottage cheese or lean meat

Bread

Vegetable or fruit

Mid-afternoon Snack:

Milk, tea, coffee, fruit juice or soup – approx. two sips at a time

Dinner:

Lean meats, fish or poultry

Potato

Dark green or yellow vegetable

Bread dessert

After-dinner Snack:

Milk or other liquid – approx. two sips at a time.

This eating plan does not give all the foods you need during pregnancy. As soon as you are no longer nauseated eat all the foods that are listed on your prenatal diet.